FAQs on Domestic Partnership
If you are like us, we are anticipating the feeling of happiness in the County building when couples can validate their unions with state issued domestic partnership. While this is a small slice of the Equality Pie - thanks BRO for the reference - we celebrate this step.
I know many people are wondering what the rules are, what hoops are there to jump through, do they have to dress up? Most of these are answered with some FAQs on domestic partnership. Keep reading to get the facts...
Frequently-asked questions on domestic partnerships
The passage of The Oregon Family Fairness Act (House Bill 2007) and its subsequent signing by Governor Kulongoski creates a domestic partnership system within the state of Oregon. The new law will take effect January 1, 2008. Since New Year’s Day is a legal holiday, the first domestic partnerships will be certified beginning January 2, 2008.
What is a domestic partnership?
Under the new law, a “domestic partnership” means a civil contract entered into in person between two individuals of the same sex who are at least 18 years of age, who are otherwise capable and at least one of whom is a resident of Oregon.
Who is eligible to enter into a domestic partnership in Oregon?
A domestic partnership can be established by two individuals of the same sex who are not less than 18 years of age, at least one of whom is an Oregon resident, and who are otherwise legally capable of consenting. Prohibitions apply if either party has a different and legally recognized spouse.
Where will Multnomah County residents be able to certify domestic partnerships? Partnerships will be certified at the county’s main building, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97214. Marriage licenses and domestic partnerships are handled by the Assessment & Taxation Office on the first floor, in suite 175.
What are the business hours?
Business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday
What forms are required? The State of Oregon will issue a “Declaration of Domestic Partnership” form. These forms will be available at County offices as well as online. Both parties must complete the form, provide identification and sign in the presence of a Notary Public.
Is there a cost?
A fee of $60.00 is required. It must be payable in cash, certified check, cashier’s check or money order. No personal checks are accepted. Fees are equal for marriage licenses and domestic partnerships. Portions of each are used to fund domestic violence prevention and related resources.
What is the process?
Once the “Declaration of Domestic Partnership” form is completed and notarized, it can then be presented, along with a fee of $60 to Multnomah County staff. Once the above steps are completed, staff will provide a registering couple with a decorative “Certificate of Registered Domestic Partnership.”
Important note: State requirements dictate that the online form must be printed on legal size paper (8½” x 14") to be accepted by counties. Letter-sized forms, whether notarized or not, will be rejected.
Is identification required?
The Notary Public is required to verify identification of the parties when signing the document.
Are there notaries at the Multnomah County building?
Multnomah County does not provide notary services to the public. Volunteer notaries may choose to offer their services after the new law is implemented. Referral resources for Notary Publics in the state are located online at: http://www.sos.state.or.us/corporation/Oregon/Notaries.htm
Are the forms online?
The State of Oregon has indicated its intent to provide forms online after the law takes effect January 1, 2008. Check www.oregon.gov/dhs/ph/chs after that date. Note printing requirements above. Alternately, forms will be available in hard copy at the Multnomah County offices. Multnomah County will also mail forms upon request.
Is it possible to get a certified copy at the time the application is complete and paid for?
Yes, certified copies are $7.75 for the first one and $4.00 for each additional at time of purchasing the certified copy.
We registered on Multnomah County’s existing domestic partnership registry. Can that transfer over?
No. Multnomah County’s domestic partnership registry does not provide the same level of rights or responsibilities as the new statewide system.
If I registered on Multnomah County’s existing domestic partnership registry, is there a credit or refund available for my registration on the new state system?
No, unfortunately that is not available as stated above these are two programs with differing rights and responsibilities.
Will the current Multnomah County’s existing domestic partnership registry continue to operate?
Yes. Some couples may choose to use this option instead, including those in different-sex partnerships.
Does the law apply to transgender individuals?
Multnomah County will treat couples seeking domestic partnerships the same as it treats couples who seek marriage licenses. The Declaration of Domestic Partnership form requires both parties to state their gender and affirm the truthfulness of all information included.
Posted on December 4, 2007
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